Adoption of ICTs in a Marginalised Area of South Africa

Abstract

This paper examines how a community in Dwesa, a marginalised area in theTranskei Region of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, adopts Information andCommunication Technologies (ICTs). This research is part of the Siyakhulaproject, which aims at promoting the potential of the area through ICTs. Theproject is situated in four different schools: Mpume, Nondobo, Mtokwane andNgwane. Fostering ICT awareness and a sense of ownership by the communityare seen as crucial factors, and computer literacy education is an integral part ofthe project. The study focuses on how diverse groups of people adopt newtechnologies and approach ICT education. Qualitative research methods suchas Participatory Action Research (PAR) and Participant Observation (PO) wereadopted in the study.